Sally’s international eventing career began in 1987 as part of the New Zealand Trans-Tasman Trophy team. She was short-listed for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul but sadly, her horse Sky Command died. Clark had to wait eight years to attend the Olympic Games and finished second to team-mate Blyth Tait in the individual Three-Day Event. She won Gold with the New Zealand team the following year at the World Equestrian Games in Rome.

Sally was chosen in the New Zealand squad for the 1994 World Championships at The Hague. Unfortunately, Squirrel Hill didn’t travel well, and Sally’s result was poor. The below-par form continued in England. However, her final start in Europe in late 1995 was at the Open European Championships in Pratoni, Italy. The career-best result of ninth place put her on a high for her proposed trip to the USA.

At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Sally Clark, aged 38 and 106 days, became the third-oldest New Zealand woman to claim an Olympic medal when she earned silver in individual eventing.

Sally continued with Squirrel Hill after the Olympics, finishing sixth at Badminton in 1997 and being part of the gold medal-winning world champion New Zealand team the following year with Jefferis, Tait, Latta and Todd. The quintet won the Halberg Award for Team of the Year in 1998.

In 1999 she appeared on a postage stamp issued in Senegal.

In recognition of her achievements in and service to equestrian, we welcome Sally Clark into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

She, her sister, and friends would ride all around the local area after school and at weekends, based on the family farm at Longburn.  That would include riding to and from the Awapuni Racecourse for training and competition. She ultimately represented Manawatu-West Coast at the Pony Club A1 One Day Event at New Plymouth as a teenager.

Julie was a keen One Day Eventer.  In the early 1990s, having lived in England while her husband David completed his Orthopaedic training, Julie was reunited with her second-best horse French Brandy.  David remembers an event at Apiti when he was standing next to one of the jumps Julie had to negotiate.  She did so successfully but it led to a discussion over the risk of injury with two young children to look after.  That led to a change in direction to Dressage.  The rest is history.

Julie was a long-term member of Dressage Central Districts fulfilling multiple administrative roles. She became a highly respected List A Dressage judge in an attempt to give back to the sport.  She always attempted to provide much help and encouragement to fellow riders.

Julie won more than 10 Equestrian Sports NZ individual and team titles. Some of her achievements include:

• At the time, Julie was New Zealand’s oldest competitor at an Olympic Games (Rio de Janeiro, 2016).

• The third ever New Zealander to compete in dressage at the Olympics. Her score of 68.453 was the best result for any New Zealander at an Olympic Grand Prix and she place 18th out of a 60 strong field on the first day.

• 2017 Australian National Championships Winner.

• 2018 NZ National Dressage Championship Winner.

• 2018 World Equestrian Games (placed 36th )

• Australasian record for Grand Prix musical freestyle

Julie became hugely respected as an international athlete, probably more so than she ever gave herself credit for. When she passed away in 2021, tributes in international publications and individual messages from across the world signify this respect.

Her champion horse Vom Feinsten affectionally known as “Steiny” still grazes in retirement at the Longburn farm.

In recognition of her achievements in equestrian sport, we welcome Julie Brougham into the Manawatū Legends of sport. Her husband, David accepted the award on her behalf.

“Bruiser” was one of the most consistent performers for Manawatū through the 1980s playing a total of 108 games for the province.

He played 16 games for the New Zealand Māori All Blacks between 1982 and 1988 which included two major overseas tours and one internal tour. He was voted Manawatū’s player of the year in 1983 and in 1986, Bruce was named Supreme Sportsperson of the Year at the Manawatū Sports Awards.

In 1985, he finally got his chance in the All Blacks with Andy Dalton unavailable. He played three matches on the tour to Argentina. Then, when chosen to start against the 1986 French team while the rebel Cavaliers were banned for touring South Africa, Bruce cruelly suffered an injury – allowing the selection of Sean Fitzpatrick in the famed “Baby Blacks” series.

He represented Manawatū until 1990. After retiring from playing, he coached club and rep rugby in the Manawatū until 1998 when he accepted an offer to coach in Spain. In 2005, Bruce returned to assist coach Manawatū in the NPC 2nd Division before being retained as Dave Rennie’s assistant with the Manawatū Turbos in the inaugural 2006 Air New Zealand Cup until 2010 when he returned to Spain. Also, in 2010 he was scrum coach for the Māori All Blacks in their series against the New Zealand Barbarians, Ireland and England.

Bruce served as MRU President from 2019 to 2022 and is a life member of the Freyberg Old Boys’ Rugby Club and the Manawatu Rugby Union.

Currently, the Palmerston North Boys’ High School rugby development coordinator and 1st XV Assistant coach, Bruce has devoted his life to the Manawatū.

In recognition of his achievements in and service to rugby, we welcome Bruce Hemara into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

Billy’s first National crown came in 1979, when he won the National Championship title decider against Trevor Wright, and his second title in 1982 with a victory over Richard Pitman.

From 1984, Meehan won the featherweight championship at seven consecutive championships, to equal the record of heavyweight Bill Kini who won seven successive heavyweight crowns, with the added prestigious award of the Jameson Belt in 1985.

He’s the holder of the record for most titles won in a single weight class winning nine Boxing New Zealand National titles in the Featherweight division.

At International level, Billy was selected and boxed at the 1982 Commonwealth Games reaching the quarter finals, but was controversially omitted from the 1984 Olympic Games.

He was a member of the New Zealand team that achieved high international success at the 1983 Commonwealth Championships held in Belfast Ireland. The Manawatū boxer was beaten in a stirring contest, by Commonwealth Games Gold medalist Peter Konyegwachie from Nigeria, to bring home the featherweight silver medal.

As a coach, Billy has trained 43 national boxing champions. As National head coach, Billy attended the Commonwealth Championships in Liverpool in 2007, the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, the Olympics in 2021 and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

He also serves as the President of the NZ Boxing Coaches Association, a position which he has held for 19 years. Billy also heads up the Coaches education and development programme in New Zealand, is a life member of the NZ Boxing Coaches association and a life member of Boxing New Zealand.

In 2001, along with being elected president of the Manawatu Boxing Association, Billy was approached by Papaioea Te Wānanga o Aotearoa manager Paul Shailer to teach sports and fitness.

In 2017, he was awarded the Brian O’Brien Trophy at the national boxing championships for outstanding service to New Zealand boxing.

Billy founded Meehan’s Boxing Club in 1999 which operates in Palmerston North. The gym is open to the community to ‘learn, train and pursue boxing to greater levels’ and offers a range of different classes for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

He also runs boxing programmes for at risk youth in the Manawatu community, and since 2001 has facilitated the Palmerston North Boys High  Schools’ annual boxing championships.

Billy is also a Palmerston North City Councillor. Through his Council work Billy has a strong involvement in community Sport & Active Recreation, he was appointed to the Arena Masterplan Steering Group, the Hockey Turf Steering Group, and the Manawatū Community Athletics Track Advisory Committee.

In recognition of his achievements in and service to boxing, we welcome Billy Meehan into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

Transitioning to coaching, Yvette has coached at all levels from school, age group representative and regional levels where she led the Western Flyers from 2004 to 2005.  As Head Coach for the Central Pulse, she ended their 24-game losing streak in 2009 and guided them to four consecutive grand finals from 2017-2020, winning the 2019 and 2020 ANZ Premierships along with the 2018 Super Club title. Recognised as the 2019 and 2020 ANZ Premiership Coach of the Year, she returned to coach the Pulse ahead of the 2022 season where they she gained a 3rd ANZ Premiership title then named the ANZ Premiership Coach of the Year.

McCausland-Durie’s coaching prowess extends to the international stage also, having served as an Assistant Coach for the Silver Ferns in 2017-2018 and the Fiji Pearls in 2023, Head Coach for numerous New Zealand A Teams, Aotearoa Māori Team, and the New Zealand under-21 team, who secured gold at the 2005 World Youth Netball Championships then silver in the 2009 Championships.

Alongside her coaching career, she is an accomplished educator, holding a Master of Education from Massey University, having contributed to Māori netball player retention through her thesis and coaching. She also led TŪ TOA to national secondary schools netball titles in 2009 and 2012.  As co-founder of both TŪ TOA and MANUKURA her extensive experience and dedication to netball and education highlight her as a key figure in New Zealand’s sporting community.

In recognition of her services to netball, we welcome Yvette McCausland-Durie into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

Rusty also served on the Selwyn Hockey Club committee and held various positions within the Canterbury Hockey Association and the Manawatu Hockey Association, demonstrating his commitment to sports administration from a young age.

Rusty’s involvement in sports extended beyond participation and administration. He became a prominent figure in sports commentary and broadcasting, working with Radio New Zealand and serving as a contracted sport broadcaster. His expertise and passion for sports led him to host and coordinate numerous sporting events, including the Special Olympics National Summer Games, the Manawatū Sportsperson of the Year Awards, and various motorsport and aviation events at Manfeild and RNZAF bases. His role as a commentator spanned multiple sports, such as basketball, rugby, rugby league, football, and lawn bowls, both nationally and internationally.

A dedicated volunteer, Rusty played a crucial role in the establishment and promotion of jetsprinting in New Zealand, earning the title “Voice of Jetsprinting” for his work as a commentator and media liaison. He co-originated the Manfeild Aquatrak, the first permanent jetsprint track in New Zealand. Harris also authored a comprehensive book on jetsprinting, capturing its history and development over 25 years.

Throughout his career, Harris has received numerous accolades, including the Manawatū Sports Personality of the Year award and a Life Membership and Patron with the Manawatū Car Club. His enduring commitment to sports and community service has left a lasting legacy in the Manawatū region and beyond.

In recognition of his services to sport in the Manawatū, we welcome Russell Harris into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

Born in New Plymouth, he lived in Dunedin, Sabah (North Borneo), Oamaru (boarding school), Auckland and Papakura with no inkling of a writing career ahead.

He played tennis and table tennis to no great effect and 1st XV rugby at Marcellin College (Auckland) before club rugby in Auckland and Counties.

After a work transfer, he served on the Wanganui Rugby Union committee where he edited the rugby programme and was enlisted as a correspondent for Truth, Rugby News and magazines.

Then came the career switch to sports journalism as the Manawatū Standard took a risk on someone from outside the industry and after covering the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games, promotion to sports editor.

With only a small sports reporting staff, it entailed strange hours and working every weekend with a tolerant wife at home controlling four active children.

A typical winter Saturday would involve Peter covering local club rugby, national league men’s and women’s basketball with reports phoned to Sunday newspapers late into the night.

Provincial journalists were seldom sent overseas, but the Standard backed Peter to cover rugby tours to Australia, South Africa, Italy, France, Britain with the All Blacks, to Fiji and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Aside from sport he was a movie and TV critic and has a Radio NZ slot.

More recently he wrote the latest histories of the Manawatū Golf Club and of Sport Manawatū and co-authored a Manawatū rugby history. In 24 years he has written more than 2000 opinion columns and continues that while still reporting on club rugby voluntarily.

He has played golf for 25 years, is a Linton Camp Golf Club committee member and belongs to the Royal Aeronautical Society.

In recognition of his services to sport in the Manawatū, we welcome Peter Lampp into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

Born and bred in Wellington, Johanna moved to the Manawatū to study German at Massey before meeting her husband, David. Johanna’s teaching career saw her contributing to the growth and development of young people across the region. In recent years, Johanna retired after a nine-year tenure as the Principal of Queen Elizabeth College while also adding Dr to her title after completing a PhD in Education.

Johanna first got involved with football watching her Dad play for Petone FC but it was while raising her family on the Hiwinui farm that Johanna spent many hours on the sidelines of the football field watching her children play. This involved team management for her son Karl’s Under 12 team moving to manager of her older son Richard’s senior men’s team at Redsox and eventually president of the club.

In 2006, Johanna became a Board member of the Central Football Federation and in 2010 became Chair of the Federation.

From the regional development of Football, Johanna was then elected as an OFC Member of the FIFA Council in March 2019 and then went on to be appointed as the first female president of New Zealand Football in April 2019.

Under Johanna’s leadership and first year as president, New Zealand Football achieved a 40% female representation on the Board, ahead of the New Zealand Government’s target of all sports governing bodies having at least 40% female representation by 2021.

In 2020, Johanna Wood led the successful campaign to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to New Zealand and Australia in 2023. It was one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in New Zealand.

Johanna’s contributions to Football have garnered her the following awards:

• Administrator of the Year in the Manawatū Sports Awards, 2020

• Sport New Zealand Leadership Award 2021, (Johanna is only the third woman to win the award); and

• New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), for services to football governance.

From the sidelines of the football pitch to the forefront of global sports governance, Johanna’s journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance and the boundless possibilities that emerge in service of others when we open opportunities that increase the visibility and space for women and girls in Sport.

In recognition of her services to football, we welcome Johanna Wood into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

The Palmerston North businessman and newspaper publisher took up walking. As his love of it grew, he discovered while there was a magazine for runners, there was not one for walkers.

So, in 1996, Frank established Walking New Zealand. Now, nearly 30 years later, the publication has over 300 issues.

In 2004, Goldingham was the inaugural chairman of Te Araroa Manawatū Trust, New Zealand’s Trail which is a continuous 3,000 km walking track from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Frank held the position for 16 years.

Locally, Frank played a leading role in establishing and running the Manawatū Walking Festival between 2015 and 2020, allowing many people to enjoy guided walks around Manawatū.

In March t2024, Frank received an Outdoor Access Champion recognising his work with the monthly Walking New Zealand magazine, which is available in print and digitally. Herenga ā Nuku, the Outdoor Access Commission, present Outdoor Access Champion awards to people who have made significant and lasting contributions to public access to the outdoors in New Zealand.

In recognition of his services to walking, we welcome Frank Goldingham into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

David served on the Central Districts Cricket Association management committee and board from 1998 to 2012 as well as the president of the Manawatū Cricket Association for a number of years. He has filled most other positions, including representative selector. David is a life member of the Manawatū Cricket Association as well as the Central Districts Cricket Association.

In 2009, David started as the Manawatū-Wanganui Golf Association executive officer, a role he held for 13 years. He also served on the Arena Manawatū board, as well as some time as the board chair.

A well-respected referee, in 1984, he refereed a Manawatū Rugby game against Taranaki and the following year against Whanganui.

In 2005, David was awarded the Norm Thomas Service Shield recognising outstanding service and contributions to rugby refereeing in the Manawatū. He was also awarded the Mike Rooney Memorial Cup, which also recognises outstanding contributions to rugby refereeing in the region.

David was the Manawatū Rugby Referees Association Judicial Advocate to the Manawatū Rugby Union Judicial Committee.  On behalf of the Manawatu Rugby Union, he carried out the role of Citing Commissioner’s Liaison Officer. This involved attending all home games for the Manawatu Turbos and Manawatu Cyclones.

In recognition of his services to sport in the Manawatū, we welcome David Townend into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

Joe was known for being tough when it came to competition but was a friendly and colourful character well known in basketball circles.

Joe was best known as the Ubix Palmerston North coach when basketball boomed in the 1980s.

He didn’t set out to coach, just answered calls to help out. He ended up “helping” with the Saints, becoming their assistant coach.

He was working for Xerox when Ubix boss Murray Creighton asked Joe if he would set up a Palmerston North branch and maybe get a sports team to promote it.

So, Joe approached chairman Bill Hay and in 1984 became the Palmerston North second-division team’s third coach in three years. For $6000 he brought out Americans Tyrone Brown and Joe Brown, paid them $200 a week, provided a flat and that year won promotion into division one.

Although he returned in 1997 to coach the Manawatū Jets for three years, he found his niche in schools, taking the QEC team to two nationals before Boys’ High rector Dave Syms called. The team were playing on a concrete floor and when Joe took them to a national title, Syms built the wooden floor he’d promised.

Joe received the Sport Manawatū services-to-sport award similar to one he received from Basketball NZ in 2018. He became a Basketball Manawatū life member in 2006.

In recognition of his services to basketball in the Manawatū, we welcome Joe Frost into the Manawatū Legends of sport.

Service to Sport

Suresh received his Queen’s Service Medal in 2020. He received notice of his QSM during Level 4 lockdown, but the notification went unnoticed for a while, due to getting the Shire’s Fruit and Vege Market operating during lockdown.

His induction is due to Patel’s passion for sport, which has seen him play cricket, hockey and rugby. When his playing career ended, he turned to coaching hockey and cricket and then to administration.

He was the chairman of Dannevirke Cricket Association from 2002 to 2010 and president of the Central Districts Indian Sports for 14 years from 1996 to 2010. He has been a delegate and selector with the New Zealand Indian Sports Association for a number of years and has helped to organise various New Zealand Indian Sports tournaments.

He has been a coach, referee, and a member of a number of different sports clubs and teams.

Patel was made an Honoured Member of the New Zealand Indian Sports Association in 2012, and life member of the Central Districts Indian Sports Club in 2016 and the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

Patel was Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce chairman on two separate occasions, originally between 2008 and 2012 helping to prevent it from going into recession and then driving the growth of the association over the past 13 years.

During his time as chairman from 2013 to 2015 Patel revitalised the Dannevirke Christmas parade, which has grown over the past five years under his leadership.

Suresh has been fortunate to be able to do the work he has done because of the incredible support from Nayna, Peter and the extended family who have always encouraged him. And the staff have always stepped up to help out if he had meetings or functions to attend.

Suresh played sport all his life and he has really appreciated the people he’s played with and against and he’s made many lifetime friends.

Congratulations on your Induction into the Manawatū Legends of Sport.

Sport: Service to Sport
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Taranaki

Sport has always been a massive part of George’s life. He grew up in South Taranaki, playing rugby and 7s, rugby league, weightlifting, softball, athletics, boxing and judo.

His coaching career began when he started teaching karate in 1974 in Christchurch. By 1976 he was teacher in charge of Athletics at Freyberg High School and was coaching 7 days a week. By 1982 his athletes were winning NZ titles, the first of many.

As Director of the Freyberg High School Sports Academy he worked with athletes from 18 codes encouraging a distinct high performance emphasis. A coach, committee member, president, coaching coordinator, lecturer, coach educator and mentor he has dedicated his entire life to supporting athletes at all levels of the game.

Sport: Cycling
Born: 1958
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Dannevirke

Cycling Legend Mike McRedmond won his first national title in 1980.  Thoughout his outstanding career he was NZ Sprint Champion five times, Scratch Race Champion three times, the NZ National Masters 80km Road Race Champion and a NZ Senior Sprint Record Holder.

On the international stage he represented New Zealand from 1979 – 1986 and was the 1982 Commonwealth Games Sprint Silver Medallist, the 1986 Oceania Sprint Champion and a 1986 Commonwealth Games Representative.

After retiring from competition he launched his coaching career, turning PNBHS into one of the ‘power houses’ of secondary school cycling in New Zealand. He has coached numerous athletes at club, regional and international level including Commonwealth, Olympic and World Championships medalists: Jesse Sergent, Simon Van Velthooven and Campbell Stewart to name just a few.

Sport: Service to Sport
Born: 5 November 1952
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Manawatu

For over 30 years, Gary Hermansson has worked with individual athletes, squads, and teams at varying levels in the areas of psychological skills development, dealing with psychological barriers to performance, sport counselling and team development work.

He draws on his work with elite athletes to inject high performance thinking into leadership development.

Gary has attended five Olympics and five Commonwealth Games as the New Zealand team’s sports psychologist. He has also worked with a number of large institutions including universities and the New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development, along with the New Zealand Olympic Committee and Equestrian Sport New Zealand.

“Being local in Palmerston North is unusual because everything gravitates to Auckland,” he once said. “To keep a profile here has been good.”

Gary’s counsel might never have been. After leaving Palmerston North Boys’ High School, he was working as a State Insurance office clerk. In the floor above, the district child welfare officer at the time suggested Hermansson try social work. Gary went on to attend Victoria University from 1963-65, obtaining a Diploma in Social Sciences before furthering his qualifications with the University of California and Massey University earning his Masters.

Gary, a sports psychologist and author of six books, is also recognised as one of the world’s most notable sports psychologists. He became professor emeritus in 2013 after 30 years at Massey University.

Gary was a Winston Churchill Memorial Fellow in 1967; he was made Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for services to the field of Sport Psychology; and in 2017 he was made a Member of the NZ Olympic Order for services to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Gary played over 100 first class rugby games: a double Manawatu cricket-rugby representative between 1961-63; he also played rugby for Wellington in teams that beat both South Africa in 1965 and the British Lions in 1966.

His philosophy on supporting our national sports teams is sound: ‘the more we as a nation can embrace and demonstrably support a team, and the more the players as a unit can sustain attention on their efforts rather than the outcome, the more likely momentum will continue throughout a campaign.”

Gary, we thank you for your service, commitment and dedication to sport, New Zealand and to the Manawatu region.

Sport: Bowls
Born: 5 November 1952
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Manawatu

While it would be fair to say that Barry Wynks had the resolve, focus, drive and competitiveness to be a top player, he has always maintained an empathy with the beginner and the social player.

For the first 45 years of life, Barry tried to distance himself from disability. But as he got older he realised that although his disability didn’t define him, it was a part of him. For the past 20 years he has put his experiences to work mentoring others with disabilities and helping them get actively involved with sport and the community.

During 2017’s New Zealander of the Year Awards, Barry received recognition for a lifetime’s work supporting Manawatū table tennis and bowls, as well as his work for those with disabilities.

Barry works at Ryder-Cheshire Foundation Palmerston North. He says people deserve to be able to do what they’re now doing. “A lot of people put themselves out for me and I just wanted to return the favour.”

He will soon be off to the Gold Coast to compete as a para-sport lawn bowler at his third Commonwealth Games. Barry’s first Games were at Manchester in 2002 and his second at Glasgow 12 years later, in 2014, when he was part of the open triple which won a silver medal.

As a bowler he has won 14 full Manawatu centre titles and another from Wanganui, has played for the Manawatu team since 2003 and is still doing so. This is in open company, not disabled bowls.

At national level he has reached the last 16 in the New Zealand singles and pairs and was third in the NZ Open fours. He has twice represented New Zealand in Trans-Tasman disabled bowls, including this year.

Table tennis was Barry’s first love, along with wife Linda who he met through the sport. They have two daughters. Barry, also known as “Winkles” joined the Takaro Table Tennis club in 1965 and has won the club singles 21 times. A life member of Takaro and Manawatu, he has been the Table Tennis Manawatu association president and treasurer and still runs Takaro table tennis on Monday nights.

In 1982 Barry was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to sport and four years ago was named Manawatu Disabled Sportsperson of the Year. A wonderful tribute to Barry from one of his peers says simply “We are lucky he chose our sport”. Barry, we thank you for your contribution to grass roots sport and congratulate you on a lifetime of elite sporting achievement.

Sport: Golf
Born: 1923
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Manawatu

Manawatu born and bred, Aileen Nash was from the Nash family which owned and ruled the then Manawatu Evening Standard. She went on to play golf for New Zealand and to be appointed by her father James, the newspaper editor, as the newspaper’s sports editor from the late 1950s to 1968, only giving up when her mother died.

Those were the days when newspapers had few women in positions of authority. To quote one of her colleagues, she was good looking, independent and sparky, a foretaste of career women of 25 years later. Aileen attended Terrace End Primary School and Palmerston North Girls’ High School where she revelled in sport.

She went on to play for Manawatu in tennis, basketball, badminton and squash. She embarked on her golfing career when she was the tender age of 18 at the Manawatu Golf Club, a late start by these days. Considered a natural swinger of the club, she was taught the game mainly by the Manawatu club professional Jimmy Forrest and the great Andy Shaw of the Miramar Golf Club.

That would have been about 1941. By 1950 she was down to a 5 handicap and won her first tournament, the Manawatu Open. Mentored by the great amateur Bessie Fullerton-Smith, Aileen was picked for Manawatu-Wanganui for her first Russell Grace interprovincial tournament in 1950. Only three years later she was wearing the silver fern and represented New Zealand from 1953. She won the New Zealand Ladies Championship in 1954 in wind and rain at Miramar and yet by 1960 she had retired from international golf.

Aileen won her singles when New Zealand beat Australia at Wanganui, she played again versus Australia in Brisbane the following year and in New Plymouth in 1956. She was playing captain against the British juniors in 1955. She had represented New Zealand at the first British Commonwealth tournament at the famous St Andrew’s Old Course in Scotland in 1959 where she won two singles out of three. “It was just another course where the weather was terrible, ” she recalled. Miss Nash, as she was known, won the Manawatu Open six times through to the 1970s and seven other such open titles around the North Island.

She played Russell Grace golf until 1965, a span of 15 seasons with wins in 1957 and 1960, and silver pennants for her club until 1992. As well as twice being the Manawatu club captain, she was the club’s first woman life member.

Sport: Hockey
​​​​​​​Born: 1935

David is a life member of Hockey Manawatu and New Zealand Hockey and has been Manawatu’s patron since 2013. Twice he has won the Manawatu official-of-the-year award. At the age of 81 he is still coaching umpires. He received the NZ Order of Merit in the 2011 New Year’s Honours for services to hockey. From 1953 he was a computer technician before computers were in vogue, until he retired from Massey University.

Both his work and sport took him overseas, hockey taking him to Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia between 1999 and 2002, either as an umpires’ coach or tournament director.

He started playing hockey at Palmerston North Intermediate School in 1946-47, was in the Palmerston North Boys’ High School 1st XV in 1952 and played for College Hockey Club until the 1960s, mostly as a defender.

“I wasn’t very good,” he said. Umpiring was his thing and still is; he was an umpire at national level until 45 when umpires were required to stand down. Those who misbehaved couldn’t avoid him on the Manawatu judicial committee where he was a member from the late 1950s, and chairman from 1970 to 2012. Earlier this year he updated the NZ Hockey code of conduct and tournament rules and has won most hockey long-service awards.

He started umpiring in the late 1950s and at the age of only 23 he served on the Manawatu Hockey Association executive; later also when it was a board barhe became the chairman for its first two years.

From 1960, he had 48 years on the Manawatu umpires committee. Also from the 1960s, he served on the NZ umpires executive-cum-council until 2004, was chairman from 1998 to 2004 as well as examiner and on the appointments panel. He was umpires manager and tournament director for national tournaments and test matches from 1972. David wrote the Manawatu constitution, code of conduct and tournament rules. “I just enjoyed doing all these things,” he said.

Sport: Cricket
​​​​​​​Born: 1932

Vern Chettleburgh was inducted as a Legend of Sport for his services to sport, in December 2016. He passed away several weeks later. The award recognised some 50 years of involvement in cricket as a player and administrator, including his drive to get the twilight cricket league set up. He was patron of Netball Manawatu for 26 years and his support for athletics included helping to set up the Community Athletics Track at Massey University. He was also involved in a wide range of recreation, reserve, environmental and cultural activities. Vern, who was in his 80s, was a keen gardener and rose grower, and helped lead the Manawatu Tree Trust and promote its mantra, the right tree in the right place.

He began his career at Otago University, moving to Massey University in 1965, where he worked in roles including assistant registrar in charge of equipment. He was a city councillor from 1983 until 2001, serving as a ward councillor for Hokowhitu for the last four terms, and was an enthusiastic chairman of what was best known as the parks and recreation committee. In 2001, he was elected to what was then the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council, and went on to chair Horizons’ passenger transport committee, taking an early lead in building the city’s bus services and advocating for better bus terminal facilities. Already aged over 80, he decided not to seek re-election to the regional council in 2013.

Sport: Rugby
Born: 27 November 1972
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Te Kuiti

Born in Kuiti and raised in Piopio, Farah has been actively involved in sport and exercise at a young age. Growing up in the farming community of Piopio helped foster a clear appreciation of what rugby means to New Zealanders.

Dr. Farah was actively involved in competitive netball, tennis, swimming, athletics and cross country but her passion for rugby ignited when she took part in a hostel match in her first year at university.

After finishing school in 1990, Dr. Farah moved to Dunedin to attend Otago University where she played socially until 1992 when she joined the university rugby team. Starting in the B team, Farah was promoted to the A team in 1994. Farah was selected as a reserve for the 1995 New Zealand team and made her debut in the following year. Farah’s excellent leadership qualities were recognised and she became the Black Ferns regular captain from 1997. As a Black Fern, Farah has been a part of 35 test matches, captained 30 and won 34 which included three Rugby World Cup titles.

Having completed her B. Phys Ed degree in 1994 Farah commenced working towards a PhD in sports sociology and while doing field research for her thesis during 1997. Having completed her PhD at Otago University in 2000 Farah moved to Palmerston North in 2001 to teach at Massey University where she currently fulfils the role as Senior Lecturer, School of Management and Director Te Au Rangahau.

Farah has also held and currently holds a number of governance roles including the New Zealand Rugby Maori Board, Oceania Women’s Rugby Board, New Zealand Sports Disputes Tribunal, Centre of Research Excellence and the Academy for Mäori Research and Scholarship at Massey University

Farah’s list of achievements is numerous and is recognised not only for her athletic ability but also her academic and service to sport. Some achievements include NZRU Women’s Player of the Year, NZ Maori Sportsperson of the Year, Manawatu Sports Personality of the Year, IRB International Women’s Personality of the Year and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for service to women’s rugby and sport. Farah was among the first women to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame and more recently, Farah became the first female elect to the board of New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

Farah has achieved in all aspects as a leader in sport. A player, an educator, and a highly influential figure that displays great professionalism and dedication to the game of rugby and sport as a whole.

Farah has been described as “the ultimate team person” as she is always approachable to players, management and the general public. Farah has made an incredible contribution to sport in the Manawatu and New Zealand.

Sport: Hockey
Born: 5 October 1944
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

To anyone who has set foot on a hockey field in the Manawatu, the name Banks, is synonymous with a great player and a great administrator. But there was once a time when Warren Banks was simply another young man, attending one of our many fine schools, just hoping for a shot at something great.

However, a young Warren Banks was more likely to be found darting around on a rugby field, than with stick in hand. In fact, Warren Banks didn’t even set foot on a Hockey field until he was 16 years old going on to represent the Manawatu men’s side 3 years later.

Warren’s first foray into hockey wasn’t on a field, but in the rink, donning his first set of skates to play roller hockey in 1959. He didn’t have fancy new gear, or state of the art fields; what he did have was a walking stick, a tin can, and the street in front of his house. But, he never let that stop him.

Attending Palmerston North Boys High, Warren toiled hard throughout his schooling. His efforts were rewarded when he was selected into the Manawatu Roller Hockey team at the age of 16. He didn’t stop there, as his skill saw him going on to represent New Zealand six years later in 1966 on a world tour playing in Honolulu, USA, Italy, England, Belgium, Germany and Holland. Alongside his roller hockey, Warren was honing his skills in field hockey as well, and he went on to represent New Zealand in at the 1973 World Cup held in Holland.

According to his lifelong friends and team mates, Brian Ax and Mike Collinson, Warren was always the fittest player on the park, his speed and ability with the stick was a cut above, which could be attributed to a roller hockey background. Many defenders found it difficult to track him, due to his quick reflexes and his ability to read and react to the defence. He was a remarkable goal scorer, which comes down to one thing; he was always there to take the shots at the right place and right time.

Considered a “work horse”, Warren earned that title unequivocally, after losing a knee cap in 1973 in a severe accident, and continuing to play Field Hockey for Manawatu for another 10 years. He retired in 1984 at the age of 40, but even that wasn’t going to stop him, as 20 years later he took the field for the Manawatu Masters Roller Hockey team.

Warren also had more to give off the field; proving himself a true servant of the game in his role as an administrator. He was elected as the Chair of the New Zealand Roller Hockey Committee, whilst coaching numerous Palmerston North Boys High School teams, the Manawatu Colts, men’s and masters teams and men’s indoor teams. Warren became the Manawatu Hockey Operation Manager which eventuated to a position on the Central Hockey Board.

He was the key player in the recent development of Manawatu Hockey facilities and he also oversaw the initiation of a highly successful summer hockey programme. The game has been strong in the Manawatu in recent years, hosting a number of significant test matches and tournaments, and attracting more people to the sport.

A career which saw him awarded a New Zealand Bronze Hockey Service medal for 15 years’ service, and the respect of the Manawatu community.

Sport: Hockey
Born: 23 March 1946
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Born in Palmerston North on the 23rd of March 1946, our legend was educated at Eketahuna District High School then the latter Tararua College once Eketahuna District High School closed in 1959. She recalls that in her day, the girls had to vote for either hockey or netball as they only had enough players for one team. This is where her journey with hockey began.

As a school girl she broke into the hockey scene by first representing Bush in 1961 and also becoming the youngest player to be selected in the North Island minor team at the age of 15.

In 1964 while studying at Massey University she represented the Manawatu woman’s side before studying requirements soon forced her down to Victoria University where she also represented Wellington in 1966-67 earning her first NZ trial in 1967.

Her commitment to her career continued to shift her around the country, this time to the city of sails where she represented the Auckland team securing her first New Zealand selection in 1973 on an 11 week tour to Amsterdam and later the Edinburgh tour in 1975.

A versatile left half renown for her play making ability; her team mates described her as a skilful and intelligent player who was popular among many.

After returning from her Edinburgh tour in 1975 her and her husband Ian tied the knot and shifted to Papua New Guinea giving birth to their first of three children Thalia in 1977. She continued playing even through pregnancy and won the national Papua New Guinea title with her Port Moresby side in 1976.

In 1980 she returned to New Zealand situating herself in Marton then shortly after shifting to Wanganui until 1987. No matter where she was she always found a way onto the hockey field representing Wanganui in 1982 and 1983 as a player/coach.

After taking to the hockey field for the last time in Wanganui she returned home to the Manawatu in 1987 as a high school teacher at Awatapu College then later Palmerston North Girls High School for the best part of 20 years. During this time she was the head of hockey alongside Coach Willie McPhail leading Palmerston North Girls High school to two consecutive national championships in 1993 and 1994 in what was considered the “glory days” of Manawatu Hockey.

Not to mention she also served as Coach of the Manawatu Premier Team from 1991 – 1995 who were the National Champions in 1992 subsequently earning her the Manawatu Coach of the Year title all while also being a selector and manager for the NZ Women’s hockey teams from 1993 – 98.

After 40 years of hockey she is now retired and settled in Palmerston North with her husband Ian.

Sport: Golf
Born: 5 April 1924
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Waipukurau

Jean Whitehead‘s father was involved with the Waipukurau Golf Club so it was only natural that she picked up the sport from an early age. With hickory clubs cut down to suit her young age she would keenly hit balls in the family’s horse paddock and the family made trips to the local golf course.

However, while training as a physical education teacher Jean’s main focus was on hockey; a sport at which she also excelled at, later representing Wanganui, Taranaki and Manawatu. Her talent was such that she could have been a prime prospect for national hockey honours – but at this time there was little international women’s hockey played.

After finishing her training she worked in Wanganui, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki before moving to Palmerston North. It was while working as a P.E teacher at Palmerston North Girls’ High School that Jean joined the Palmerston North Golf Club and later Manawatu Golf Club. During her time at the Manawatu club she won the Open tournaments at Levin, Dannevirke, Wanganui and Manawatu, as well as the Club Championships and the Manawatu Open. By 1955, Jean had risen to national honours winning the NZ foursomes title and the New Zealand Plate. 1958 saw her reach her first national final as an individual at the NZ Women’s Amateur Championships and, after a hard fought encounter against her cousin Nicki Campbell, she lost at the 37th hole to take the silver medal. She was also Runner-up at the championships in 1959 and 1970, but managed to win the title in 1967 and 1973.

Including these wins she gained nine national titles during her career, which included winning the Mellsop Cup (NZ Women’s Amateur Stroke Play Championships) six times between 1961 and 1974.

Internationally, Jean took her first of many overseas trips in 1959 – representing New Zealand at the inaugural Commonwealth Tournament at St Andrews, Scotland. Jean went on to play in other Commonwealth events and also played in Tasman Cup teams. She was playing captain for various teams including the NZ Team at the 1964 and 1968 Espirito Santo Trophy Tournament and the World Tournament Team in 1965 and 1968. Jean also played in the British Open twice.

Her successes were acknowledged when she won the Manawatu Sportsperson of the Year in 1968 and in 1974 she was named the Marilynn Smith Golfer of the Year which is presented to the player who has the most points at the end of the calendar year. This same year she was also awarded the prestigious title of New Zealand Golfer of the Year by the New Zealand Eagles; an award that recognises contribution to the sport.

In addition to her playing prowess, Jean was also president of the Manawatu Golf Club from 1969 to 1971 and of the Manawatu-Wanganui District Golf Association from 1976 to 1980. She was also a selector for NZ Golf and was made a life member of the Manawatu Golf Club and NZ Golf.

Jean continued to play golf, winning the 1997 NZ Veterans Tournament in the 50 years and over category. She still plays a few holes at the Manawatu Golf Course, and practices her swing and chip shots on her back lawn at her home in Palmerston North.

Sport: Rugby
Born: 25 December 1944
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Born in Palmerston North on Christmas Day 1944, Strahan was educated at Apiti School, where he recalls his earliest rugby memory, playing for the Apiti School Midgets. He then went on to Huntley Preparatory School, and Wanganui Collegiate. After only three games for his home club, Oroua, in 1965 he was selected to represent Manawatu, and attracted the attention of national selectors who included him in the Junior All Black team against the 1966 Lions.

In 1967 the All Black selectors were searching for a lock to partner Colin Meads. They went to Napier to study Manawatu’s Ranfurly Shield challenge, after which the selector found his lock forward after seeing some outstanding play from Sam. By the end of the 1967 season the 1.95m, 101kg lock was off to Britain with the All Blacks where he partnered Colin Meads in each of the four Internationals. The young farmer had gone away as a relatively junior player but his performance improved with each game on a tour which is regarded as one of the most successful ever, being unbeaten in its 17 matches.

After 23 games for the All Blacks he had never been in a losing team, however, in 1969 he lost his Test position to Taranaki’s Alan Smith. Strahan returned to top form in 1970 though, touring South Africa and playing the best rugby of his career, appearing in the first three Tests.

After his last All Black game in 1973, Strahan played once for Manawatu then later retired from all first class rugby.

Sam is remembered as one of Manawatu’s finest All Blacks and for six years the best lineout jumper in the country. All up he played for 36 years – with 45 games for the All Blacks, including 17 test matches.

After hanging up his boots Sam Strahan remained involved in rugby, as coach to his club team Oroua, and also within the Club’s administration. In 2002, the Oroua Rugby Football Club made Strahan a life member of the Club. He has also served as President of the Manawatu Rugby Union, of which he is also a life member.

Sport: Service to Sport
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Along with his father Dan, and brothers Bernard and Michael, Sir Patrick Higgins founded the Higgins Group construction, roading, and contracting company. He started at the bottom driving diggers and worked his way to the top, heading a company that now employs more than 1,100 staff and operates throughout the North Island.

His involvement in Motorsport started back in October 1973 at the first race meeting on the track at Manfeild. From 1976 – 1998 he served on the Manfeild board of Control and he was chairman of this committee for 7 years. He was a driving force behind the construction and subsequent maintenance track upgrades at the motor racing circuit.

Sir Patrick is also heavily involved with rugby in the Manawatu and is a huge supporter of the Manawatu Turbos. The Higgins Group are a major sponsor of the Manawatu Rugby Academy based at Massey University to support the education and training of talented local rugby players.

As well as having a personal love of sport, especially rugby and motorsport, he also believes sport is good for the wider community.

In 2007, he was named Manawatu Sports Personality of the Year. He was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005 and knighted in 2011 for services to philanthropy and the community because of the massive contribution he has made to community and sporting groups, including Arohanui Hospice, Manawatu Cancer Society, the Louise Perkins Foundation, the Manawatu Turbos, the Manawatu Rugby Academy and Manfeild Park.

But the full extent of his charity will never be known because so much of it has been done quietly, shunning the attention a lesser man would crave. He hasn’t supported this community to increase the profile of his roading construction business or to cultivate personal glory; he has given to those in need because he wanted to make Manawatu a better place. That is the true essence of charity.

Sport: Squash
Born: 6 March 1938
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Charlie Waugh was born March 6, 1938 in Palmerston North, where he still resides today. This mighty Manawatu man was well respected on the squash court and played the game with passion and honesty. Charlie dominated the men’s game in the early 1960s; this was a time now looked upon as the beginning of the expansion phase of squash, where 1,700 players grew to almost 17,000.

His long standing New Zealand Champion five-year run was achieved between 1960 and 1964, which was acknowledged as an outstanding record that stood for nearly 30 years. Charlie was looked upon as New Zealand’s first true world-class player and was a New Zealand Representative in 1961, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’67, ’68 and 1971, which he highlights as the pinnacle of his illustrious playing career.

As well as a world class squash player Charlie was a natural athlete, showing off his multi-talent ability by representing Central Districts as the number one seeded tennis player. As a keen cyclist, he completed many cycling circuits, including Tour-de-Manawatu and Lake Taupo. His true desire was to become an All Black “but I unfortunately missed the boat on that one” Charlie said. However, he still found the time to represent the Manawatu third string side as a halfback.

Charlie prefers to keep a low profile about his achievements, but still managed to volunteer his time to assist junior players and was happy to help where he could.

In addition to being inducted as a Manawatu Legend of Sport, Charlie was also inducted into the New Zealand Squash Hall of Fame in 2010.

Sport: Service to Sport
Born: 24 May 1950
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

John Arthur Callesen was born May 24 1950 in Palmerston North, and attended Longburn School before going to Nelson College, playing first XI rugby in 1967. John made his Manawatu debut in 1970, one day before his twentieth birthday and played every game during 1970-71 impressing not only with his high lineout leaping but also his speed about the field. Provincially, Callesen played almost 100 games for the Manawatu, an era when Manawatu Rugby had a grand run with the Ranfurly Shield.

A Junior All Black in 1972 and ’73 John made his All Black debut in 1974 and played 18 matches for the All Blacks including four tests. On more than one occasion, he had to pass up touring opportunities for his country due to work commitments, remembering rugby was still a strictly amateur sport in this era.

Unfortunately a prolapsed disc in John’s back prematurely ended his rugby career, and dashed his plans to reach a century of games for the Manawatu and once again lock for the All Blacks.

John has also made an immense contribution to Manawatu Athletics and without his efforts the Manawatu Community Athletic Track (MCAT) would not exist. John became involved in athletics in the early 1990’s through his daughters Hannah and Emma, both talented athletes and national medallists.

For many years the Manawatu Athletics community had been lobbying for an all weather track in the area, but to no avail. However once John came on board with the project, a senior athletics official said, “doors that were previously shut were now opened”. From the time of the tracks construction, until 2009, John served on the MCAT board, and was a strong advocate for the sport of athletics.

Sport: Bowls
Born: 24 May 1952
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Te Kopuru, New Zealand

Sharon Sims began playing bowls in 1986 at the Manawatu Bowling Club and joined Northern Bowling Club in 1995. She started playing bowls by chance when she went along with a friend to the Manawatu Bowling Club open day, from there she was hooked.

She first represented New Zealand in the Trans Tasman Test Series in 1997, after four years in the NZ Emerging Players team and represented New Zealand every year until her retirement in 2008 having played over 350 matches.

Sharon has been the country`s most successful international player winning gold for the pairs at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and three gold medals at the World Championships. Two of those came at the 2000 World Championships, where she won the women`s triples and fours, with the other coming in the pairs in 2004. An equally dominant force on the national bowls scene Sharon has won six national titles.

On retirement from international play in 2008, Sharon was NZ’s most successful international representative with a total of eight gold, four silver and three bronze international medals.

Sharon’s involvement with bowls has gone beyond being an international competitor including coaching where she has coached the New Zealand Juniors team and worked as a regional development officer and national coaching coordinator.

On top of being a world class athlete, Sharon has received many other honours. In 2007 she became a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to bowls. She was awarded Bowls New Zealand Player of the Year in 2005 and has won Sport Manawatu Sportsperson of the Year three times in (2000, 2002, & 2004).

Sport: Netball
Born: 27 August 1902
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Catherine Vautier has over 50 years experience in the sporting community. She filled many roles over these years as a player, club captain, coach, umpire, manager, selector, administrator and president.

Born in Palmerston North on August 27 1902, she was the eldest of 12 children and lived the majority of her life in this area. She attended Palmerston North Girls High School becoming head prefect and dux. It was during these school years she participated in many sports but being tall and strong, she excelled in netball, or basketball, as it was known then.

After completing high school she attended Otago University. She continued to play netball at university where she became club captain and led the A team to two New Zealand University Easter tournaments. Education and academic achievement played a major influence in her life. She studied home science and when she returned to Palmerston North she took up a teaching position at Palmerston North Technical School later to become Queen Elizabeth College, a position she would hold for the next 40 years retiring in 1967.

During this time, she was instrumental in the off court development of netball. Ending her own playing career to concentrate on the advancement of the game, she, with others established a regular weekly netball competition in the region. From this, the Manawatu Netball Association was formed in 1928 which she helped found. She was later elected president of the Manawatu Netball Association in 1930 and held this position for all but six of the following 41 years. Not one to be just a figurehead, she was active in all aspects of netball. She was a coach, a manager, an umpire, a selector, including a national selector in 1948, an announcer, a publicist and a fund raiser. In 1967 she was made a life member of the New Zealand Netball Association.

Although netball was her main focus, she was actively involved in other sports and community groups; croquet, bowls, cricket, table tennis, swimming and tennis – becoming the first woman president (and later life member) of the Manawatu Lawn Tennis Association. On top of her daytime teaching, she ran night classes in a range of crafts and staged a series of successful dramatic productions.

In 1976, in recognition of her service to netball, Pururi Terrace courts complex, the major venue for Saturday netball, was renamed Vautier Park. A year later, she was made an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to sport and the community.

Catherine passed away in Palmerston North on June 12 1989.

Sport: Motorsport (Formula One)
Born: 29 July 1943
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Bulls

Born in Bulls on July 29 1943 Chris Amon was the only child of a wealthy sheep-owner. On leaving school, he persuaded his father to buy him an Austin A40 Special, which he entered in some minor local races and hillclimbs. He progressed to a 1.5 litre Cooper and then an old 2.5L Maserati 250F, but only began to draw attention when he drove the Cooper-Climax T51 which Bruce McLaren had used to win his maiden Grand Prix.

In 1962 he entered the Cooper for the New Zealand Winter Series, but was hampered by mechanical problems. However, Scuderia Veloce entered him in a similar car, and, in the rain at Lakeside, he performed well. One of the spectators there was the English racing driver Reg Parnell who persuaded him to come to England and race for his team. In a test at Goodwood he continued to impress and was on the pace in the Goodwood International Trophy and Aintree 200 pre-season races.

His career progressed from there and despite never winning a championship Formula One Grand Prix, he won eight non-championship Grand Prix’s, the Silverstone International Trophy, the 1000 km Monza, the Daytona 24 Hours, the Tasman Series and, perhaps most significant of all, the famous 24 Heures du Mans (alongside Bruce McLaren). Many of these races attracted some of his otherwise more successful fellow F1 drivers, all of whom he was able to beat.

In Formula One, he took part in 96 Grand Prix, achieving 5 poles, leading 183 laps in 7 races, reaching the podium 11 times and scoring a total of 83 Championship points.

After his retirement from F1 in 1976, he dedicated himself to running the family farm in the Manawatu district for many years.

In the early 1980s he became more well-known in New Zealand for test-driving vehicles on the TV motoring series Motor Show and later consulted for Toyota New Zealand, tuning the 1984 Toyota Corolla and subsequent cars for sale there. He also appeared in TV commercials for the company, where much was made of the acclaim he won from Enzo Ferrari.

More recently, he was involved in the design of the upgraded Taupo Motorsport Park circuit, used for the New Zealand round of the A1 Grand Prix season.

Sport: Kayak & Surf Lifesaving
Born: 20 July 1952
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Taumarunui

Ian Ferguson was born in Taumaranui July 20 1952 and moved to the Manawatu at the age of nine. Attending Palmerston North Boys High School he showed great promise as a runner and rugby player but it was swimming that indicated his potential in the water.

At the age of 14 he started competing in surf lifesaving with the Himatangi Surf Club, a club he remained with even though he moved to Wellington for his university studies. Over the next 30 years he would win many titles in surf lifesaving including the New Zealand Ironman in 1974, 75 and 76, the surf ski race in 1976, 77 and 90 and the Malibu board race in 1976. He won gold and silver medals representing New Zealand and in 1991 won four gold medals in the surf lifesaving world masters. Also in 1974 he was awarded Sport Manawatu Sportsperson of the Year for surf lifesaving.

Although he has had such a distinguished sporting career in surf lifesaving he is more known for his performance in another discipline – kayaking. In 1976 he competed in his first Olympic Games in Montreal Canada. The following year he left New Zealand for competition in Europe. He competed at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 when most of the New Zealand athletes were boycotting these games under government pressure. In 1983 he won a silver medal at the World Championships. The following year at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, he become New Zealand’s most successful Olympian by winning three gold medals in kayaking – the K1 500m , the K2 500m pairing with Paul MacDonald, and the K4 1000m with Grant Bramwell, Alan Thompson and Paul MacDonald. Later that year he won the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year award.

In 1985 he won gold at the World Championships. In total his World Championship tally comes to two gold medals and three silver medals. Attending the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games he won two more medals; gold in the K2 500m and silver in K2 1000m, both with Paul MacDonald. He retired after competing at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 becoming the first New Zealander to compete at five Olympic Games.

He was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1985 New Years Honours for his services to sport. The New Zealand Olympic Organisation awarded the highest honour it could bestow on one of its athletes by naming him “Olympian of the Century.”

He has remained in the sport of kayaking through forming and coaching the New Zealand Kayak Squad which includes his son Steven, also an Olympic athlete.

Sport: Rugby
Born: 31 January 1916
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Normanbyh

Jack Finlay was once described as one of Manawatu Rugby Union’s best backs, “possessing sharp speed, penetrative ability, sound defence and a good understanding of bright attacking rugby.”

He was born in Normanby in the Taranaki on January 31 1916. He attended Feilding Agricultural High School captaining the 1st XV in 1932. In 1933 he played for Feilding Old Boys Rugby Club and made his debut for Manawatu at the age of 18. That year in his first season he scored a record 46 points for the union which he later extended to 56 points in 1936. He was a utility player playing firstly in the five-eighths position before moving into the forwards at No. 8 and prop gaining an All Black trial for the front row. He was to play a couple of seasons back at five-eighths before permanently becoming a loose forward. Jack had six seasons representing the Manawatu and only missed two of the 61 games scoring a total of 246 points and 17 tries.

With the start of the war, he enlisted and was sent to North Africa. He reached the rank of Major and was decorated with the Military Cross. After the war, he played in the 2nd NZEF Rugby Team which made a 33 match tour of Britain, France and Germany before returning to New Zealand for a five match tour. Better known as the “Kiwi’s” and later the “khaki All Blacks”, the team played open rugby to revive the game in Britain. He played in 20 of the games as captain or vice captain.

Returning to New Zealand in 1946, he was rewarded with selection to the All Blacks playing a test in Dunedin against Australia winning 31 – 8 and scoring a try. Unfortunately he sustained an off field injury and did not appear in the second test or play for the All Blacks again.

He later became a coach in Feilding for many years and was a selector for the Manawatu, North Island and from 1961-1963 also selected for the All Blacks.

On the field he was renowned for his inspirational leadership, his covering play, his energy, speed and anticipation. He was a first class rucker, tough as old boots and played accordingly.

Jack passed away on the 30 June 2001 in Feilding. He was honoured posthumously with 32 other test All Blacks at a test capping ceremony in June 2009 prior to the All Black – France Test match.

Sport: Rugby & Cricket
Born: 8 June 1924
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Wellington

A Manawatu sporting legend in cricket and rugby – as a player, coach and selector – Ian was influential in both sports. He was considered one of the most successful secondary school rugby coaches in New Zealand and deemed by the New Zealand Rugby Almanac as “a most reliable five eight with perfect hands”.

Born 1924 in Wellington, this legend came to Palmerston North in 1948 already making a name for himself on the rugby and cricket playing fields.

He was an All Black triallist in 1947 and represented Wellington,Otago, and then captained the Manawatu team, playing 35 first class games. Deemed by the New Zealand Rugby Almanac as “a most reliable five eight with perfect hands”.

A wicketkeeper, he had the misfortune to be part of New Zealand’s most famous test match loss when they were bowled out for 26 by England in 1955 in the second innings of the second test at Eden Park. However, at the first test in Dunedin he had distinguished himself by twice catching the great England batsman and captain Len Hatton.

Holding just about every administrative role for Central Districts Cricket he was made a life member in September 1980 and was a selector for Central Districts and New Zealand cricket.

He was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in the New Years Honours list in 1985 for public services.

After retirement in 1984 he settled at Paraparaumu Beach and took on the role of President of the Golf Club.

Sport: Cycling
Born: 27 December 1949
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Max Vertongen was born in Palmerston North in 1949 and his name is synonymous with cycling throughout the region, the country and perhaps even the world.

In 1970 he set a national record that still stands to this day, represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and over the course of his career he won numerous provincial titles and several New Zealand novice, junior and senior titles

Max was a talented athlete who after his retirement from competition continued his involvement in the sport through coaching, and combined this with running a successful business that included a complete change of career in 1992.

His successful coaching career has included a number of highly successful local athletes, one of whom was his son Lee. His appointment as New Zealand Cycling coach at the 1978, 1998, and 2002 Commonwealth Games and 2000 Olympic Games saw him lead the teams to bring home several individual and team medals. This led to him being named Manawatu Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2003.

Sport: Horse Racing
Born: 6 January 1913
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

William “Bill” Broughton was born in Foxton in 1913. His family moved to Tokomaru early on, where he attended primary school.

Bill grew up in a household with links to horse-racing, and like his brother and parents, he was of small stature and at home with horses. During his school holidays he enjoyed visiting the racing stables of leading Awapuni trainer George New. Eventually Bill was offered an apprenticeship and was formally registered in the 1928/29 season when he was 15.

In October 1928, at his sixth race-day ride, he rode his first winner and managed another five wins in his first year. Success was not easy in those days, with champion jockeys such as Hector Gray, Tommy Green, Keith Voitre, the Ellis brothers and Roy Reed all riding. An early highlight of Bill’s career was winning the New Zealand Cup in 1931 while still an apprentice. In 1934 he established himself among the top jockeys, finishing second to his good friend Jim Ellis.

In 1952 Bill again won the New Zealand Cup. In between, he had won virtually every major race on the calendar – many of them several times – with the exception of the Auckland Cup. During the 1940s he dominated the jockeys’ ranks in New Zealand, with more than twice as many winners as the next-best rider.

Bill was noted for his patient riding style and ability to time his home run to perfection. He could often get the best out of a horse without using a whip. A memorable example of this was in the 1957 Wellington Cup. Top Australian horseman Neville Sellwood was riding Cardigan vigorously with the whip, and Bill used his ‘hands and heels’ technique on Sombrero. They fought an exciting battle down the home straight, with Bill snatching a popular victory right on the finishing line.

His riding methods reflected his personality. Bill was disciplined and determined, striving for perfection in everything he did. Over his long career he broke many bones in the inevitable falls jockeys suffer. However, in March 1958 after a relatively minor foot injury sustained in a fall in a race at Trentham, he retired, aged 45, not wanting to risk permanent disability or to ride over-cautiously. By this time his official winning tally was 1,446 races in New Zealand, plus 11 in Australia. In three decades he had headed the jockeys’ list 11 times.

Bill took no further active part in racing. For many years he was President of the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association and, typically, carried out his duties thoroughly and efficiently. Through his determination and high standing he achieved consistent improvements in conditions and pay for jockeys.

Having invested his considerable earnings wisely, he was free to cultivate his other sporting interests. He got down to a two handicap at golf, played lawn bowls at championship level and became a noted coach, and excelled at clay-bird shooting.

Sport: Netball
Born: 27 April 1936
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Born in Palmerston North in the late 1930s, Betty was a young, impressionable lady who discovered her sport through the inspiration and support of a much loved teacher and mentor by the name of ‘Miss Vautier’. Once a game of basketball, netball was modified and soon made its impact of hundreds of women around the country.

Selected for the successful 1959 Manawatu team, they won the second grade at the New Zealand Tournament under the new seven-a-side rules. She was then invited to trial for the Silver Ferns’ team to tour Australia in 1960. She was successful in her trial and on arrival home from Wellington a very proud father presented her with a cheque written out to ‘the Vice Captain’. A big accomplishment for a small town girl!

Since her playing days, her contribution to the administrative roles of the game has been enormous – in fact, it’s difficult to know where to start! To put her contributions into perspective, she was awarded the NZ Service Medal from the national body to recognise 20 years of service to the game, the Queen’s Service Medal in 1990 which recognises an individual’s voluntary service to the community, and the Women’s Suffrage Medal in 1993 awarded to 500 women and men who had, by their virtues and talents, made a recognised contribution to the rights of women in New Zealand. In another capacity, she was the first New Zealand player to achieve the International Umpires Badge and continued on to become an examiner.

On a local note, she has been a regular act in the Manawatu Association holding many positions of office including event manager, coach, manager, president, executive member and now convenor of the Life Membership Committee. She was also a part of the team that saw Manawatu awarded the Best Organised and Best Administered Association in 1987.

Once a Manawatu Sports Foundation Executive and Trust Board member, a member of the PNCC Recreation and Sport Committee, and liaison between community groups and the PNCC. Betty is now a Life Member of Netball Manawatu and Netball New Zealand.

Sport: Hockey
Born: 5 August 1930
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Born and bred in the Manawatu region, this legend was renowned for mastering the art of any sporting equipment he touched but none more so than the hockey stick and the cricket bat.

He was first selected for the Manawatu Hockey team in 1945 as a 14 year old and played continuously for the region for 20 years – almost half of those were as captain. He also featured in Manawatu’s victorious years with the Challenge Shield and the North Island team. At 19, he was selected to play for New Zealand and continued in the national team for a further 12 years participating in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, making captain in 1958 and leading the team to the 1960 Rome Olympics to finish fifth. He was the national selector and coach from 1962 until the 1976 Montreal games for which he was the selector but not the coach. To add to his playing prowess, he was included in the 1958 Indian Captain’s World XI (eleven) and rated by the Indians as the finest right half in the world – no easy feat.

Retiring in 1966 from representative hockey, he redirected his time to selector-coach from 1964 to 1969 and was deeply involved in coaching Manawatu primary school children for many years. When needed by his brother, he also helped out with umpiring.

During his early years, he dabbled in rugby, captaining the Manawatu Primary Schools’ representative rugby team, and was a talented centre for the PNBHS First XV (fifteen). He represented the region in basketball and was an exceptional cricket player representing Central Districts for a number of years. If it wasn’t for his choice to pursue hockey, he could’ve gone a long way with cricket too.

Known to his peers as ‘Mr Hockey’ he contributed an insurmountable time to the development of hockey in the region as an administrator, coach, selector and umpire. In later years, the Fitzherbert Park Pavilion was renamed in honour of his achievements and contribution to hockey and cricket.

Sport: Bowls
Born: 20 June 1937
​​​​​​​Birthplace: Palmerston North

Born in Palmerston North on 20 June 1937, Phil grew up with lawn bowls beside his father at the greens, which later turned into a passion that would take him to his first national title at the tender age of 20. A day down at the greens isn’t ordinarily a highlight on most 20 year olds’ social calendars but he had a skill unlike most others.

Awarded an OBE for his services to the sport, his decorated sporting vitae is vast and filled with numerous championships, NZ titles and Commonwealth Games’ medals. The most notable of all titles would have to be the gold medal won at the 1988 World Championships in Auckland.

He was also a regular on the administrative side of the game too. His peers would often describe him as innovative and always trying to improve the game locally, and perhaps regularly keeping the sport’s national body on their toes through his commentary! Having held many positions within club committees and the national council, he always had the best intentions for the game at heart.

Inducted into the NZ Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, awarded the sport’s Gold Star and Medallion of the Association, and four-time Manawatu Sportsperson of the Year, Phil Skoglund is a true legend.